History

Charity

Texas

Crystle Stewart

Age: 35

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Language: English

BIO

Twenty-six year old Crystle Stewart of Texas hit the jackpot on April 11th, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV, winning the title of MISS USA®2008. As a worldwide television audience of millions watched, Crystle finally achieved her dream after a long journey that culminated at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Hailing from Missouri City, the Texan’s win was not merely a stroke of luck, but a testimony to dedication and years of hard work. After placing in runner-up positions at the Miss Texas USA competition several times over, Crystle took home the elusive title on her fifth attempt! She recalls a line from the Bible her mother would recite, “The race is not given to the swift nor the strong, but to the one who endureth to the end.” Indeed, Crystle has shown unwavering persistence in achieving her goal of becoming Miss USA. Ever dynamic, she has addressed crowds of over a thousand with her inspirational speech, “Waiting to Win,” where she chronicles her personal achievements.

A graduate of the University of Houston with a BS in Consumer Science and Merchandising, she is a fourth generation educator and teacher. Crystle is not just a pretty face, she is also an entrepreneur with her own company, Inside/Out, which she uses as a platform for public speaking appearances, character development lessons and event planning.

“With Inside/Out, I can teach and show young women that beauty and intelligence are not mutually exclusive,” says Crystle. She also serves as a board member on the Trey Rice Education Fund and Houston Community College’s VAST program, which assists individuals who have learning disabilities with educational opportunities. Crystle plans on continuing her work with Autistic children, whom she taught as a Special Education Teacher’s Aid at Elkins High School, during her year as Miss USA and beyond.

Throughout her reign, Crystle will be a spokesperson for the official causes of MISS USA® which include breast and ovarian cancer education, research and legislation, a platform that is close to her heart. Crystle, herself, found a lump on her breast which was eventually diagnosed as benign. Her experience is a testament to the importance of early prevention and looks forward to traveling nationwide as an advocate for organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Gilda’s Club, among others.

From winning a silver medal in the 1994 Junior Olympics to winning the title of Miss USA 2008, nothing can stop Crystle from achieving a goal when she sets her mind to it. In her spare time, Crystle enjoys being with her family, watching Ultimate Fighting and browsing the internet.